VehicleVerdict

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Sl 550 years?

Sl 550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted3 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Sl 550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sl 550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine133%
Speed Control133%
Transmission133%

Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V365000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 242,722 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

21V961000Fuel SystemDecember 13, 2021 · 139 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

21V058000OtherFebruary 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

I do Own a Mercedes-Benz 2020 SL-550. On August 27, 2025, I was stopped at the curb adjacent to my house at [XXX] . When I gently tried to go right into driveway of my house, the tire hit the curb. When I gently again tried to release the tire from the curb, the car all of the sudden jump into the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 27, 2025 · crash

I do Own a Mercedes-Benz 2020 SL-550. On August 27, 2025, I was stopped at the curb adjacent to my house at [XXX] . When I gently tried to go right into driveway of my house, the tire hit the curb. When I gently again tried to release the tire from the curb, the car all of the sudden jump into the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 27, 2025 · crash

I do Own a Mercedes-Benz 2020 SL-550. On August 27, 2025, I was stopped at the curb adjacent to my house at [XXX] . When I gently tried to go right into driveway of my house, the tire hit the curb. When I gently again tried to release the tire from the curb, the car all of the sudden jump into the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 27, 2025 · crash

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 — common questions

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sl 550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sl 550 years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among Sl 550 years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.